Systems and methods of using implanted or wearable micro electronic devices and for using a mobile device to communicate with and manage such micro electronic devices

ABSTRACT

A system, apparatus and method utilize a micro electronic device implanted in a person or group of persons, or wearable thereby, to manage a variety of activities, including unlocking a locked device. The method includes the steps of providing an RF microdevice having an electronic identification code and attaching the microdevice to a person. An RF lock system is provided to the subject locked device, including an electronically powered lock, an RF reader and a processor. The user brings the microdevice near the reader, whereby the reader communicates with the microdevice via RF signals, and the reader signals the processor to corroborate the identification code. If the processor corroborates the identification code, the processor signals the powered lock to actuate and unlock. If the processor does not corroborate the identification code, the powered lock remains unactuated and locked.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS, IF ANY

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/677,257, filed May 29, 2018,U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/551,455, filed Aug. 29,2017, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/539,698, filedAug. 1, 2017, which are hereby incorporated by reference.

This application is also a continuation in part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/874,855, filed Oct. 5, 2015, status pending,which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/332,008,filed Jul. 15, 2014, status patented U.S. Pat. No. 9,171,300, which is acontinuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/207,392,filed Mar. 12, 2014.

37 C.F.R. § 1.71(e) AUTHORIZATION

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialwhich is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the US Patent and TrademarkOffice patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX, IF ANY

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates, generally, to micro electronic devices(chip devices) systems, apparatus and methods. Particularly, theinvention relates to micro electronic devices implanted in or worn byhumans, and for systems and methods of using such implanted devices fora variety of useful functions. Most particularly, the invention relatesto systems and methods of using implanted or worn (for example viabracelets, anklets, and the like) devices in groups of humans such asmembers of an organization, employees of a company, residents of afacility, inmates, or the like, to open doors and access otherbuilding/facility resources such as telecommunications resources, micromarkets, and the like. The invention is useful for other purposes suchas patient management of their own individual medical and other personalrecords, hospital and health clinic or other third party access toprivate medical records of persons who may be unable to provide suchinformation, computer and network resource login and access (includinglogin to particular accounts and apps thereon), and vehicle door unlockand/or startup.

The invention also relates to:

-   -   a. a system and method of using and managing implanted or        wearable micro electronic devices via an associated mobile        device such as a smart phone, tablet or the like;    -   b. micro electronic devices embedded in, incorporated into, or        otherwise attached to articles, devices, structures or things to        track, manage or monitor such articles, devices, structures or        things for geo-location or other tracking, monitoring or        management services;    -   c. micro electronic devices implanted in, worn, or carried by        humans for geo-location services for agencies responsible for        monitoring such person's whereabouts with respect to branches        and agencies such judicial and law enforcement agencies; and    -   d. micro electronic devices implanted in, worn, or carried by        humans for using biometric sensors or transducers to        authenticate and transmit vital signs and other health        information to clinic or other facility personnel.

The types of mobile devices that the micro electronic devices arecommunicatively connected to (See (a) above), include smart phones,tablet devices, laptop PC, pod devices, and the like, The microelectronic devices utilize features and devices of the mobile devicesuch as user interface services, programming services, data processingand storage services, telecommunication services, location services,sensor/transducer services, camera services, clock services, temperatureand weather services, and the like.

2. Background Information

Existing technology in this field is believed to have significantlimitations and shortcomings. For this and other reasons, a need existsfor the present invention.

Chips implanted in or worn by humans have been proposed to be used forpurposes such as opening building doors in the past. However, insofar asapplicant is aware, such proposals and uses have been limited andlargely experimental. No sustained, commercially viable facility accessuses are known. Implanted chips have also been proposed or used on alimited basis for accessing personal information (such as medicalrecords). Again, applicant is aware of no commercially viable endeavors.And the existing proposals and devices are believed to have significantlimitations and shortcomings. One limitation is that, due to the smallsize and power capacity of such devices, they have little or nocapability to be interfaced or controlled by the user, to store orprocess information, to telecommunicate with other devices or systems,to locate relative to the environment, to act as a sensor for variousparameters and biometrics, to take pictures or video, to clock or timeevents, to sense or determine environmental factors such as temperature,and a variety of other functions. Chips implanted in other animals suchas pets and livestock are also known for various purposes. However, noneare believed to be similar to Applicants'.

All US patents and patent applications, and all other publisheddocuments mentioned anywhere in this application are incorporated byreference in their entirety.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides an implantable or wearable micro electronicdevice, implanted in or worn by a human, and systems, apparatus, andmethods which are practical, reliable, secure and safe, and which arebelieved to fulfill the need and to constitute an improvement over thebackground technology.

The systems and methods of the invention utilize implanted or worndevices, particularly microchips (most particularly RFID microchips) ingroups of humans such as members of an organization, employees of acompany, residents of a facility or the like, to open doors and accessother building/facility resources such as micro markets, commissaries,telecommunications resources, and the like.

The invention is also useful for other purposes such as patientmanagement of their own individual medical and other personal records,hospital and health clinic access to private medical records of personswho may be unable to provide such information, computer and networkresource login and access (including login to particular accounts andapps thereon), and vehicle startup.

One aspect of the invention is to provide a means of communicativelyconnecting the implanted devices to a mobile device, such as a smartphone, whereby the implanted devices utilize features of the mobiledevice such as user interface services, data processing and storageservices, telecommunication services, location services,sensor/transducer services, camera services, clock services, temperatureand weather services, and other such services.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method of accessing anelectronic device or system (such as an electronic lock, an electroniccheckout kiosk at a store, a PC, computer or computer network, a vehiclelock or ignition, or a medical records database), comprising the stepsof:

A. providing an RF microdevice having an electronic identification code;

B. attaching the RF microdevice to a user;

C. providing an RF login system, the RF login system including:

-   -   i. at least one RF reader disposed at a predetermined location        on or near the device or system, and    -   ii. at least one login processor communicatively connected to        the at least one RF reader and to a central processor of the        device or system, the login processor having means to        corroborate the identification code on the RF microdevice;

D. the user brings the RF microdevice near the RF reader, whereby:

-   -   i. the RF reader communicates with the RF microdevice via RF        signals, and    -   ii. the RF reader signals the login processor to corroborate the        identification code, and        -   (1) if the login processor corroborates the identification            code, the login processor signals the device or system            central processor permit electronic access, or        -   (2) if the login processor does not corroborate the            identification code, login processor signals the device or            system central processor to not permit login.

In a further aspect, the invention provides a system for accessing anelectronic device or system (such as an electronic lock, an electroniccheckout kiosk at a store, a PC, computer or computer network, a vehiclelock or ignition, or a medical records database), comprising the stepsof:

A. an RF microdevice having an electronic identification code adapted tobe attached, fixedly or removably, to a user;

B. an RF login system, including:

-   -   i. at least one RF reader disposed at a predetermined location        on or near the device or system, and    -   ii. at least one login processor communicatively connected to        the at least one RF reader and to a central processor of the        device or system, the login processor having means to        corroborate the identification code on the RF microdevice; and

C. whereby, the user brings the RF microdevice near the RF reader,further whereby:

-   -   i. the RF reader communicates with the RF microdevice via RF        signals, and    -   ii. the RF reader signals the login processor to corroborate the        identification code, and        -   (1) if the login processor corroborates the identification            code, the login processor signals the device or system            central processor to permit electronic access, or        -   (2) if the login processor does not corroborate the            identification code, login processor signals the device or            system central processor to not permit login.

The aspects, features, advantages, benefits and objects of the inventionwill become clear to those skilled in the art by reference to thefollowing description, claims and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary environment in which an embodiment of thesystem of the invention is deployed, a main, outside access door of aprivate business premises.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a chip-type micro electronic devicereader, which is positioned proximate a door or other ingress/egressmeans.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of an implantable, chip-type, microelectronictransponder.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a basic system and methodof the invention of using an implanted micro electronic device in ahuman.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a system and method to enablepersons or groups of persons to open outside and inside doors and otherclosures in buildings, facilities, and other premises.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the system and method to enablepersons or groups of persons to open access, use and check out ofvarious resources and services within a building, including specificallymicro markets and commissaries.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the system and method to securelystore a person's confidential information, such as medical information,and for that person (the user/owner) to transport, access, manage, anduse such private information.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of the system and method to securelystore a person's confidential information, such as medical information,and for a trusted third party, such as a doctor (clinic or hospital),lawyer, or other trusted entity, to access, manage, and use suchinformation to assist the user/owner.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of the system and method to enablepersons or groups of persons to login and access computer and networkresources and devices such as PCs, workstations, laptops, mobile devicesand the like.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of the system and method to enablepersons or groups of persons to login and access files, applications,apps and data resident on a particular computer and network resourcesand devices.

FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of the system and method to enablepersons or groups of persons to access and start a vehicle, such as anautomobile, truck, bus, and the like.

FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of the system and method of theinvention to enable a group of persons, such as employees or members ofa group to perform certain tasks.

FIG. 13 shows an exemplary implanter assembly for implanting a chip in auser, the chip being contained within the assembly.

FIGS. 14A-C show an embodiment of a method of using the system of theinvention in a Micro Market to purchase products.

FIGS. 15A and B show an embodiment of a method of using the system ofthe invention to login to a Personal Computer (PC).

FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of the system and method of theinvention to enable a group of persons, such as inmates of a securefacility, to access and use telecommunications resources (for exampletelephones or video kiosks) to make and receive calls or videovisitations.

FIG. 17 is a more detailed diagram of the system of the invention,including the interconnection of a phone server and an account managerserver, and a monitoring station of the system.

FIG. 18 a diagram showing an embodiment of the communicativeinterconnection of the phone server with elements of the system whichare disposed inside the secure facility.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the communicativeinterconnections of the phone server with elements of the system whichare preferably disposed outside the secure facility.

FIGS. 20a and 20b are flowcharts of an embodiment of an outgoing and anincoming call process, respectively, of the invention.

FIG. 21 shows an embodiment of an alternative system of the inventionwhich includes an implantable or wearable micro device which iscommunicatively connected to a mobile device such as a smart phone,tablet device, pod device, or the like.

FIG. 22 shows an embodiment of yet another alternative system of theinvention which includes micro devices embedded in, incorporated into,or otherwise attached to articles, devices, structures or things forgeo-location or other services such as tracking, monitoring, ormanagement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A system, apparatus and method utilize a micro electronic deviceimplanted in a person or group of persons, or wearable thereby, tomanage a variety of activities. The devices and methods utilizeimplanted or wearable devices, particularly microchips (mostparticularly RFID microchips). The micro electronic devices may beimplanted in humans or wearable or carried by humans via bracelets andthe like, or for, and for systems and methods of using such implanteddevices for a variety of useful functions, and for using and managingthe micro electronic devices via a mobile device. The microelectronicdevices may be used for geo-location services for agencies responsiblefor monitoring such person's whereabouts with respect to branches andagencies such judicial and law enforcement agencies. The microelectronicdevices may be used for biometric sensing to authenticate and transmitvital signs and other health information to clinic or other facilitypersonnel. In an alternative to human use, the micro electronic devicesmay be embedded in, incorporated into, or otherwise attached toinanimate articles, devices, structures or things to track, manage ormonitor such articles, devices, structures or things for geo-location orother tracking, monitoring or management services. Lastly, the microelectronic device may transmit information to and/or from a mobiledevice whereby the micro electronic devices utilize features of themobile device such as user interface services, programming services,data processing and storage services, telecommunication services,location services, sensor/transducer services, camera services, clockservices, and/or temperature, weather and other services. This alsoenables tracking, monitoring, inventorying, and management of people andthings for medical, legal, business, governmental and various otherpurposes.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary environment in which an embodiment of thesystem of the invention is deployed, a main, outside access door 10 of aprivate business premises 12.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a chip-type micro electronic device reader14, which is positioned proximate a door 10 or other ingress/egressmeans.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of an implantable, chip-type, microelectronictransponder 20. In a preferred embodiment, the chip 20 is a passive,RFID device. The chip 20 has a very small, predetermined size andgeometry that permits implantation below the skin of a human user. Inthis embodiment, the chip 20 has a housing 21, an antenna 22 disposedinside the housing 21, a microprocessor 23 disposed inside the housing21 and communicatively connected to the antenna 22, and a tuningcapacitor 24 disposed inside the housing 21 and communicativelyconnected to the processor 23, and wherein the electronic identificationcode is stored in or by the processor 23. The chip 20 is a passive,dormant device in that it doesn't have an on board power supply. Thechip 2—permits access to itself by way of an ancillary RF device, suchas a reader, that is connected to power, either via wire or battery.FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of an implanter 22 useable with the chip 20and systems of the invention. A preferred implantation site is in thehand of the user/member.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a basic system and methodof using an implanted micro electronic device in a human. The system 30includes an implantable micro device (IMD) transponder 32 (IMDT)implanted in a user. The system further includes a reader 34 adapted tosend signals, for example RF signals, to the chip 32, and to receiveinformation from the chip 32. The reader is communicatively connected toa controller 36. The controller 36 is connected to a power supply 38.The controller 36 is also communicatively connected to a database 39,either internally or externally located. The controller 36 may befurther connected to a variety of other devices or elements, such as adoor lock or other mechanical device, a display, an input device(s),various communication devices or links, and the like.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a system and method to enablepersons or groups of persons to open outside and inside doors and otherclosures in buildings, facilities, and other premises. The system 40comprises a an IMDT 42, a reader 44, a controller 46, a power supply 47,and a door lock 48 (preferably disposed proximate the reader 44.

FIG. 6 illustrates using a system and method to enable persons or groupsof persons, such as employees, club members, building residents (such ashotel/motel guests, apartment tenants, or condo/townhome owners) and thelike, to open access, use and check out of various resources andservices within a building, including specifically micro markets. Thesystem 50 comprises an IMDT 52, a power supply 53, a reader 54, acontroller 56, and various micro market elements such as an access dooror gate 57, a product display door (such as a freezer or cooler door) 58and a checkout station 59. FIGS. 14A to 14C show an embodiment of thesystem and a method of purchasing an item from a 32 Square™ Micro MarketKiosk checkout station 59 including an RF reader 54, comprising thesteps of scanning a product, reading a user's implanted chip 20(implanted in the user's hand 52) with the reader 54, and verifying thatthe transaction is correct. An exemplary Micro Market Controller 56 andassociated components, which is useable with this system 50 is disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 9,171,300, issued Oct. 27, 2015 entitled RetailConvenience Market Technology With Enhanced Vendor Administration andUser Mobile App Functionality, which is owned by applicants' assignee.U.S. Pat. No. 9,171,300 is hereby incorporated by reference.

The system is also useable by residents of secure facilities such asinmates of a secure facility such as a detention center, jail or prison,to purchase or check out items from a commissary located within thefacility.

FIG. 7 illustrates using a system and method to securely store aperson's confidential information, such as medical information, and forthat person (the user/owner) to transport, access, manage, and use suchprivate information. The system 60 comprises an IMDT 62, a reader 64, acontroller 66, a power supply 67, and a display device 68 that can beviewed by the user.

FIG. 8 illustrates using a system and method to securely store aperson's confidential information, such as medical information, and fora trusted third party, such as a doctor (clinic or hospital), lawyer, orother trusted entity, to access, manage, and use such information toassist the user/owner. The system 70 comprises an IMDT 72, a reader 74,a controller 76, a power supply 77, and a display device 78 that can beviewed by a trusted third party such as a doctor or other healthcareprovider at a clinic, hospital or the like.

FIG. 9 illustrates using a system and method to enable persons or groupsof persons to login and access computer and network resources anddevices such as PCs, workstations, laptops, mobile devices and the like.The system 80 comprises an IMDT 82, a reader 84, a controller 86, apower supply 87, and a PC, workstation, laptop, mobile device, or anyother electronic device 88. FIGS. 15A and 15B show an embodiment of amethod of logging on to a laptop 88 via the method including the stepsof reading a user's implanted chip 20/82 at a login screen and verifyinga successful login to the operating system home screen of the laptop 88.

FIG. 10 illustrates using a system and method to enable persons orgroups of persons to login and access files, applications, apps and dataresident on a particular computer and network resources and devices. Thesystem 90 comprises an IMDT 92, a reader 94, a controller 96, a powersupply 97, and a PC, workstation, laptop, mobile device, or any otherelectronic device 98 that includes various apps 98 a, files 98 b orother applications or data. The device 98 may further be connected to awired, wireless or wide area network 99.

FIG. 11 illustrates using a system and method to enable persons orgroups of persons to access and start a vehicle, such as an automobile,truck, bus, and the like. The system 100 comprises an IMDT 102, a reader104, a controller 106, a power supply 107, and a door 108 a and/orignition 1086 of a vehicle 108 such as an automobile, truck, bus,aircraft, watercraft or the like.

FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of the system and method of theinvention to enable a group of persons, such as employees or members ofa group to perform certain tasks. The system 110 includes an implantablemicro device (IMD) transponder 112 a to x (IMDT), each individuallyimplanted in a user/member of the group. The system 110 further includesa reader 114 adapted to send signals, for example RF signals, to thechip 112, and to receive information from the chip 112. The reader 114is communicatively connected to a controller 116. The controller 116 isconnected to power 118. The controller 116 is also communicativelyconnected to a database 119, either internally or externally located.The controller 116 may be further connected to a variety of otherdevices or elements, such as a door lock or other mechanical device, adisplay, an input device(s), various communication devices or links, andthe like.

FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of the system and method of theinvention to enable a group of persons, such as inmates of a securefacility, to access and use telecommunications resources (for exampletelephones or video kiosks). In particular, the system and method permitresidents of the secure facility to receive incoming voice calls orvideo visitations. The system 120 includes a micro device (MD)transponder 122 a to x (MDT), each individually coupled to a resident ofa secure facility, for example by a strap disposed on the wrist or ankleof the resident. The system 120 further includes a reader 124 adapted tosend signals, for example RF signals, to the chip 122, and to receiveinformation from the chip 122. The reader 124 is communicativelyconnected to a controller 126. The controller 116 is communicativelyconnected to the telecommunications system 128 of the secure facility.An embodiment of the telecom portion 128 of the system 120 is disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 9,578,162, issued Feb. 21, 2017, entitledTelecommunications Technology, which is owned by applicants' assignee.U.S. Pat. No. 9,578,162 is hereby incorporated by reference.

The telecommunications system 128 is shown in FIGS. 17-20 as system 210.Referring to FIG. 17, the system 210 comprises a phone Server 241, atelephony switch which is connected to a Service Provider 242. TheService Provider 242 is any provider with Session Initiated Protocol(SIP) capability. The Phone Server 241 negotiates SIP communicationbetween various SIP endpoints. It handles call permissions as well ascharging, recording and monitoring. The Phone Server 241 iscommunicatively connected to a Monitoring Station 243 which requestsrecorded and live streams from the Phone Server 241. Based on a request,the monitoring station 243 has the ability to pause, fast forward andrewind the recorded stream as well as to stop a live call in progress.It also enables calling rules. The Phone Server 241 is alsocommunicatively connected to an Account Manager Server 244. The accountmanager 244 provides a means for the telephones to know the details ofthe caller and the person or entity being called. A most preferredexample of the account manager server 244 is a Team Server provided byTeam Software of Hudson, Wis. USA. However. The account manager server244 can be any server that handles TCP/IP protocols over any IP network.The Phone Server 241 and Account Manager Server 244 are communicativelyconnected to the Inmate Kiosk(s) 215 or other devices inside the jail orother facility. Such other devices include traditional inmate telephones219 a and mobile or hand held devices inside the secure facility orjail. The Phone Server 241 is also communicatively connected to thetelephones and devices 216 a-c outside the facility.

FIG. 18 shows an embodiment of the communications connections 240 abetween the phone server 241 and certain elements of the system 210located inside the secure facility (the kiosk(s) 215, traditional inmatephone(s) 245, other mobile devices 216 in the facility, and the adminmonitoring station 244) via the Internet 219 and through the facilityfirewall 246.

FIG. 19 shows an embodiment of the communication connections 240 bbetween the phone server 241 and other servers and elements of thesystem 210 which are disposed outside the secure facility. The phoneserver 241 is preferably a software element which makes the calls. Aphone management interface 247 is an additional layer of software thatcontrols the phone server 241. The phone management interface 247processes information such as outgoing and incoming rules, the inmaterate, and the like. Connected through the Internet 219 are the accountmanager server 244, the call record server 248 (a hardware element whichactually stores recorded calls), and a communication account server 249.The communication account server 249 is preferably software which debitsand credits accounts at the manager of the system 210, and other similarbusiness functions. The manager of the system 210 is preferably anindependent third party business, such as Applicant's assignee. However,it is within the purview of the invention that the system 210 managermay be the jail or secure facility itself, or some other governmental,quasi-governmental or non-profit entity.

FIG. 20a is a flow chart showing an embodiment of the process of makingan outgoing call from a jail according to the invention. The outgoingcall process of the invention is preferably implemented by the system210 of the invention. The first step of the process involves receiving260 a request for an outside phone number of a family member, friend orother call recipient, and then determine 261 whether the call is localor long distance. Next, the system verifies 262 that the inmate hassufficient funds or credit, and checks associated rules for that inmateaccount. The call is either prohibited 263 (with notice to the inmate),a non-call ending rule is noted 264, or the system proceeds 265 todetermination 266 whether the call number is privileged as for examplein the case of an attorney telephone number. Proceeding with the call,next records are logged and created 267, recording is initiated 268 andthe call is sent 269 to the service provider to ring the call recipient.If a timeout timer period is reached 270 the call ends. If the call isanswered 271 within the allotted time, the call proceeds. A chargingprocess 272 begins in some cases. The call proceeds until termination orhang up 273.

Significantly, the system of the invention provides a means of receiving280 an incoming call to the inmate in the facility from a personoutside. Referring to FIG. 20b , a preferred embodiment of an incomingcall process of the invention involves first receiving a call requestand then determining 281 whether the outside caller is requestingsupport. If so, then the call is transferred 282 to a help line. If not,the user is prompted 283 to dial or otherwise input an extension for theinmate. Users may first obtain an inmate extension as well as a PINnumber by utilizing the inmatecantee.com process. Next, the systemdetermines 284 if the extension is valid. If not, then the caller has anopportunity to enter another extension by another prompt 285. If valid,the system inquires of the PIN and checks 286 whether it is valid. Ifthe PIN is not entered correctly, the user again has an opportunity tocorrect. If the PIN is correct, the next step 287 is to find theInmate's location and a list of phone devices in the inmate's POD (jaillocation). Phone devices may include, but are not limited to stand aloneKiosks, traditional hand held telephone devices and the like. The systemthen determines 288 whether the caller is a registered attorney. If theuser is a registered attorney (again, preferably signed up at theinmatecanteen.com system), the conversation is private and a reducedrate may apply. If not, the system verifies 289 that the user hassufficient funds to place the call (funds are deposited viainmatecanteen.com). Maximum call time is calculated 290 based on callerfunds, and at a predetermined time, for example the 1 minute 30 secondremaining mark of the call, a blocking prompt is played warning the userthat they are about to run out of call minutes. Initially or at any timelater, inmate rules 291 may be processed. Such rules may include, butare not limited to inmate blacklisting, section/pod blacklisting, emailcall notifications, and approved calling hours. If a call or call eventor time fails a rule, the call is transferred 292 to a voicemail system.If all rules or some rules are met, a call record is created 293,recording begins (unless attorney or other call), and the registereddevice is dialed. Recordings are processed in GSM format. Both sides ofthe stream are included in the recording. The next step is to wait 294for an answer. If the inmate answers, the attorney rule is checked 295and if positive, the charging 296 process begins. If the inmate does notanswer, the call may be transferred 297 to a voicemail system.

FIG. 21 shows an embodiment of the system 300 of the inventioncomprising an implantable or wearable micro device 302 and a mobiledevice 304. The micro device 302 is implanted in a body 306 of an animalsuch as a human being. Alternatively, the device 302 may be carried orworn by a person by way of a strap, pin, necklace, bracelet, anklet,belt or the like. The micro device has a microchip or integrated circuit308 that may have one or more of the following sub components:micro-processor, programmable logic controller (PLC), data storage,transmitter/receiver, and the like. The device 302 further has a housing303, an RF antenna coil 310 preferably for sending and receivingsignals, and a tuning capacitor 312. The micro device 302 is of coursevery small. At least because of its small size, it's features areinherently limited.

The mobile device 304 is preferably a smart phone, pod device or tabletdevice, laptop, notebook or other portable device having a processor,storage and other features, and which includes a software app 350 forinterfacing with the micro device 302. The mobile device may have an iOS(Apple™), Android (Google™) or other operating system. The mobile device302 has a processor 352 (typically higher performance than that of themicro device 302), data storage 354 (in which the app 350 is stored), abattery 356, a graphical user interface 358 (GUI), and means to transmitand receive signals. The means to transmit includes one or more of aWi-Fi or other Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) antenna 360, a GSM orother cellular network antenna 362, and an RF antenna 364. Theseantennae may be connected directly to the processor 352, or via asend/receive interface (not shown). The app 350 permits communicationto, from, or preferably to and from the mobile device 304 and the microdevice 302. This permits setup and/or control of the micro device 302.It also permits transfer of information from the micro device 302 to themobile device 304. From there, the information may be communicatedremotely via Wi-Fi or cellular communication. The system also permitsprocessing and/or simple storage of information acquired by the microdevice 302 by the mobile device 304.

Significantly, the mobile device 304 may have other features that may beharnessed by or shared with the micro device 302. These features mayinclude one or more of the following devices: a clock 375, a camera 377,a lamp 379, an inclinometer and/or gyroscope 381, a speaker 383, and/ora microphone 385. The mobile device 304 may also have connectors forexternal devices and systems, such as a SIM port 387 or other means tostore mobile subscriber identity, an external audio port 389, and apower charge port 391. The ability to interface with the clock 357permits the micro device 302 to perform clock and timing functions suchas synchronizing with respect to time, alarm and other functions. Thecamera 377 and lamp 379 interconnection permits photo or videofunctionality. The inclinometer/gyroscope 381 and/or the standardlocation services of the mobile device 304 permit tracking and otherlocation services for the chip 302. The speaker/microphone 383/385permit audio recording and play, alarm and other audio functionality.The external ports 387, 389 and 391 permit interfacing of the chip 302with a variety of external devices.

FIG. 22 shows an embodiment of yet another alternative system of theinvention which includes micro devices embedded in, incorporated into,or otherwise attached to articles, devices, structures or things forgeo-location or other services such as tracking, monitoring, ormanagement. In the embodiment, a municipality 400 has a series ofstreets or roads 402 with related resources. Examples of these include aplurality of stop signs 406 a-b, speed limit or other information signs408, fire hydrants 412, lights 414 and the like. The roadway 402 mayhave features such as curbs 408. Although the features shown areprimarily fixed in place, they or other resources may be movable. A needexists for the municipality to manager them by inventory (age, conditionand the like), tracking their location, mapping, and to manage them formaintenance, replacement and the like. The system of the inventionprovides micro devices that are embedded in the resource, attached tothem by tags, labels, fasteners, adhesives, welds or the like, orincorporated into the resources during manufacture. For example, microdevice 402 is embedded into the roadway 404 at a predetermined locationto monitor location, temperature, pressure, humidity, age, wear andother parameters. Another example is device 410 x affixed to trafficinformation sign 410.

In use, a mobile device 416 (such as a smart phone with an app or adedicated hardware scanner) is brought into proximity with the tag 410 xand communicates with it via an RF or other short range signal 418.Features on the device 416 permit processing of information on site, ortransmission of information via long range signals 420 such as Wi-Fi orcellular transmission.

In addition to the systems and methods being used for commissarypurchasing and telecommunications resource use in secure facilities suchas detention centers, jails and prisons, described above, these systemsand methods may further be used to monitor the location and movement offacility residents by having a resident check-in or otherwise indicatetheir presence at or to a predetermined location, including at apredetermined time(s). So, for example, the system and method could beused as a bed check means, to indicate that the resident is at theirassigned quarters or cell at or near the end of the day. It could alsobe used to verify the presence of the resident at a job or otherassigned task site, meal time, or other predetermined time or event.

The embodiments above are chosen, described and illustrated so thatpersons skilled in the art will be able to understand the invention andthe manner and process of making and using it. The descriptions and theaccompanying drawings should be interpreted in the illustrative and notthe exhaustive or limited sense. The invention is not intended to belimited to the exact forms disclosed. While the application attempts todisclose all of the embodiments of the invention that are reasonablyforeseeable, there may be unforeseeable insubstantial modifications thatremain as equivalents. It should be understood by persons skilled in theart that there may be other embodiments than those disclosed which fallwithin the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Where aclaim, if any, is expressed as a means or step for performing aspecified function it is intended that such claim be construed to coverthe corresponding structure, material, or acts described in thespecification and equivalents thereof, including both structuralequivalents and equivalent structures, material-based equivalents andequivalent materials, and act-based equivalents and equivalent acts.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of unlocking a locked device,comprising the steps of: A. providing a radio frequency microdevicehaving an electronic identification code, wherein the radio frequencymicrodevice is a radio frequency identification chip having a housing,an antenna disposed inside the housing, a microprocessor disposed insidethe housing and communicatively connected to the antenna, and a tuningcapacitor disposed inside the housing and communicatively connected tothe microprocessor, and wherein the electronic identification code isstored in or by the microprocessor; B. attaching the radio frequencyidentification chip to a person, wherein the step of attaching isfixedly attaching the radio frequency identification chip to the personby implanting the radio frequency identification chip subcutaneously; C.providing a radio frequency lock system, the radio frequency lock systemincluding: i. at least one electronically powered lock coupled to thelocked device, ii. at least one radio frequency reader disposed at apredetermined location on or near the at least one electronicallypowered lock, and iii. at least one processor communicatively connectedto the at least one electronically powered lock and to the at least oneradio frequency reader, the at least one processor having means tocorroborate the electronic identification code on the radio frequencyidentification chip; and D. the person brings the radio frequencyidentification chip near the at least one radio frequency reader,whereby: iv. the at least one radio frequency reader communicates withthe radio frequency identification chip via radio frequency signals, andv. the at least one radio frequency reader signals the at least oneprocessor to corroborate the electronic identification code, and (1) ifthe at least one processor corroborates the electronic identificationcode, the at least one processor signals the electronically powered lockto actuate and unlock, or (2) if the at least one processor does notcorroborate the electronic identification code, the electronicallypowered lock remains unactuated and locked.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein the locked device is selected from a group of devices consistingof an exterior door of door of a dwelling or premises, an interior doorof a secure facility such as an jail or prison, and a vehicle door. 3.The method of claim 1, wherein there is a single processorcommunicatively connected to a plurality of electronically poweredlocks, each electronically powered lock being disposed on a separatedoor of a dwelling or premises.